Salmonella spp. in rescued wild birds and usefullness of Wildlife Recovery Centres in the conservation and protection of species, as well as in the detection of zoonoses

Abstract

Salmonellosis is currently the second most reported zoonosis in the European Union, causing gastroenteritis in several animal species and humans. Wild birds may play a relevant role in the epidemiology of this disease, as they can act as asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella and transmit it to other organisms. Wildlife Recovery Centres (WRCs) are responsible for the rehabilitation and conservation of various species. Given the high number of sick animals they receive, they could be a great tool to establish a pathogen surveillance network. Few studies have addressed these issues. In our research, we focused on analysing the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in wild birds, especially in birds of prey rescued at the Tafira Wildlife Recovery Centre. To achieve this, we carried out a microbiological analysis of the faecal samples obtained following the ISO 6579-1:2017 standard. The confirmation of suspected Salmonella spp. colonies was carried out in 16.7% (2/12) of the samples, using different biochemical tests such as IMVIC, Kligler Iron Agar and Urea Broth. The results confirmed that 100% of the birds in our study did not carry Salmonella spp. and therefore do not represent a public health risk. On the other hand, the results of the survey of the Canarian population in our study reflect a clear interest and concern of society for the conservation of species. Much of this work is possible thanks to the Wildlife Recovery Centres. These centres have shown that they are necessary in our society, not only for their function of rehabilitating species, but also for their role in raising environmental awareness. It is therefore essential to encourage and support the work of these centres.